The Mainland Story
1954-2022
Discover the rich history of Mainland over the last 60 plus years
Using one of the greatest resources our small country has to offer - Dairy - we built Mainland on the traditions of craftsmanship, integrity, care and a huge amount of Kiwi pride. It’s a simple philosophy really, use ‘the best of everything Kiwi.’ You see, as New Zealander’s we know that good things take time – and at Mainland over 60 years later we’ll take as long as you want us to, so you can enjoy the finest cheese in the country.
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1954
The very beginning
Armed with a huge amount of charisma and big dreams to match, Food Technologist and visionary Peter McConnon set up a two year contract to supply Auckland Food Products with South Island cheese from Otago. Essentially making the first big supply connection between both Islands and setting the wheels in motion for Mainland as you know it today.
1955
Officially Launched
The Mainland brand was registered with the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand and officially launched.
1965
Experts in Cheddar
Mainland established itself as the leader in cheddars with its famous Vintage Cheddar This positioned Mainland as the expert in cheddars and built a strong base for advancing our expertise in this area.
1966
Based in Dunedin
Mainland builds its own premises in Dunedin.
Mainland moves into larger scale dairy production by building its own dairy processing business in Dunedin on Macandrew Road. Eventually coolstores, warehouses and offices were added to the premises along with an ever-growing roster of about 130 staff. It remained open until around 2006.
1999
Specialty cheese varieties
Mainland Special Reserve is born to transition mainstream Mainland consumers across to specialty cheese varieties.
2005
Mainland turn 50!
Mainland turns 50, celebrating a history of fine mature cheddars, a trusted quality product range and proven craftsmanship.
2010
Looking Good
Mainland's new packaging hits the shelf, an exciting new TV campaign launched.
2011
Egmont Cheese
Mainland launches Egmont Cheese.
This sweet, nutty cheddar (with a name derived from one of New Zealand’s most iconic peaks) gave us a cheese that was a perfect choice for cooking and baking in Kiwi kitchens up and down the country. Currently only sold in Food Service.
2013
Tasty Light is launched
Mainland launches Tasty Light and the Mainland Natural Snacking Range
Tasty Light was introduced as our full flavour reduced fat cheddar winning international awards in the process. Whilst go-to favourites Edam, Tasty and Colby started popping up in lunchboxes with the launch of our natural snacking range.
2022
Thanks for exploring our timeline.
Mainland might be half a century old now and time is always ticking on, but just as any Cheese Master will tell you “Cheese is ready when it’s ready”. So like the aging of our cheese this story continues…